Entrepreneurial Ethics Simulation: Navigating Dilemmas

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Entrepreneurial Ethics Simulation: Navigating Dilemmas

Grade 12Other8 days

In this project, high school students explore the complexities of ethical decision-making in entrepreneurship. Through simulations, case studies, and role-playing, they grapple with real-world ethical dilemmas, develop codes of conduct, and analyze the impact of ethical choices on businesses and stakeholders. The project emphasizes the importance of effective communication in navigating these challenges and fostering a culture of ethical conduct, preparing students to balance profit-seeking with ethical responsibilities in their future ventures.

Entrepreneurial EthicsEthical DilemmasCode Of EthicsCommunication StrategiesStakeholder AnalysisBusiness SimulationEthical Decision-Making

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can entrepreneurs create a business that is both profitable and ethical, and what role does communication play in navigating ethical dilemmas and fostering a culture of ethical conduct?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How do entrepreneurs balance profit-seeking with ethical responsibilities?
In what ways do communication strategies impact the perception and resolution of ethical dilemmas in entrepreneurship?
How can a code of ethics guide decision-making in complex business scenarios?
What are the potential consequences of unethical behavior on a business's reputation, finances, and sustainability?
What strategies can entrepreneurs implement to foster a culture of ethical conduct within their ventures?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will be able to evaluate different communication methods for resolving ethical dilemmas in business.
Students will be able to create a code of ethics for a business venture.
Students will be able to analyze the impact of unethical behavior on a business.
Students will be able to identify and implement strategies that promote ethical behavior in a business.

National Business Education Association Entrepreneurship Standards

NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.3.9

Primary

Evaluate the best method of communication for business scenarios.Reason: Directly addresses the communication skills needed to resolve ethical dilemmas.

NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.3.10

Secondary

Prepare for and effectively participate in business collaborations with diverse partnersReason: Addresses the need to work with diverse partners, which is related to ethical scenarios.

NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.3.11

Primary

Develop a code of ethics for a business venture.Reason: Central to creating an ethical business.

NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.3.12

Primary

Analyze the effect of unethical behavior on a business.Reason: Directly examines the impact of unethical choices.

NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.3.13

Primary

Identify strategies that facilitate ethical behavior in a business.Reason: Addresses implementing ethical strategies.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The 'Oops!' Crisis Simulation

A fictional startup launches a groundbreaking product, but a major ethical crisis erupts on launch day. Students receive breaking news alerts, social media feeds, and internal memos, forcing them to react in real-time as different members of the company, making tough decisions with limited information.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

'Ethical Compass' Case Study

Students analyze real-world case studies of ethical dilemmas faced by entrepreneurs, focusing on the communication strategies employed and their outcomes.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Select 2-3 case studies of ethical dilemmas in entrepreneurship (examples: data privacy, environmental impact, deceptive advertising).

2. Identify the key stakeholders involved in each dilemma.

3. Analyze the communication strategies used by the entrepreneurs to address the dilemma.

4. Evaluate the effectiveness of these communication strategies in resolving the ethical issue and maintaining stakeholder trust.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed report analyzing the communication strategies used in the case studies, assessing their effectiveness, and drawing conclusions about best practices.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.3.9 (Evaluate the best method of communication for business scenarios) and NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.3.12 (Analyze the effect of unethical behavior on a business).

Activity 2

'Code of Conduct' Blueprint

Students develop a comprehensive code of ethics for a hypothetical business venture, considering diverse stakeholder needs and potential ethical challenges.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Brainstorm potential ethical challenges the business might face (e.g., conflicts of interest, data security, fair labor practices).

2. Identify the company’s key stakeholders and their ethical expectations.

3. Draft specific code of ethics guidelines for each area of concern.

4. Incorporate mechanisms for reporting and addressing ethical violations.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed code of ethics document, including guidelines for various ethical scenarios, reporting mechanisms, and consequences for violations.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.3.11 (Develop a code of ethics for a business venture).

Activity 3

'Ethical Dilemma' Simulation Design

Students design their own interactive simulation scenarios that present ethical dilemmas to players, requiring them to make decisions and face the consequences.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Define the industry and type of business for your simulation.

2. Develop 2-3 distinct ethical dilemmas relevant to the business.

3. Create a branching narrative where player choices lead to different consequences (positive and negative).

4. Incorporate elements of communication (e.g., email exchanges, public statements) that influence the outcome of the dilemma.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA fully designed ethical dilemma simulation, including scenarios, decision points, consequences, and communication elements.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.3.9 (Evaluate the best method of communication for business scenarios), NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.3.12 (Analyze the effect of unethical behavior on a business), and NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.3.13 (Identify strategies that facilitate ethical behavior in a business).

Activity 4

'Collaboration Crossroads' Role-Play

Students participate in a role-playing exercise where they must navigate a business collaboration with diverse partners, addressing potential ethical conflicts and communication barriers.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Assign roles representing different stakeholders in a business collaboration (e.g., CEO, investor, supplier, community representative).

2. Present a scenario involving a potential ethical conflict or miscommunication among the partners.

3. Students role-play their assigned characters, attempting to resolve the conflict through effective communication and ethical decision-making.

4. Debrief the role-play, discussing the challenges faced, communication strategies employed, and the ethical outcomes achieved.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA reflective essay summarizing the role-play experience, analyzing the ethical challenges encountered, and evaluating the effectiveness of communication strategies used.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.3.10 (Prepare for and effectively participate in business collaborations with diverse partners) and NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.3.9 (Evaluate the best method of communication for business scenarios).

Activity 5

'Ethical Audit' & Improvement Plan

Students conduct an 'ethical audit' of a business (real or hypothetical) to identify potential vulnerabilities and develop an improvement plan to strengthen ethical conduct.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Select a business to audit (can be a real company or the hypothetical venture from previous activities).

2. Research the company’s existing code of ethics, communication practices, and ethical track record.

3. Identify potential ethical vulnerabilities based on the company’s activities and industry.

4. Develop an improvement plan with specific strategies to address the identified vulnerabilities and promote ethical behavior.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive ethical audit report, including an assessment of the company’s ethical strengths and weaknesses, and a detailed improvement plan with actionable strategies.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.3.12 (Analyze the effect of unethical behavior on a business) and NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.3.13 (Identify strategies that facilitate ethical behavior in a business).

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Entrepreneurial Ethics Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Ethical Understanding & Analysis

Demonstrates understanding of ethical principles, dilemmas, and consequences in entrepreneurship.

Criterion 1

Identification of Ethical Issues

Accurately identifies and explains ethical dilemmas in given scenarios or case studies.

Exemplary

4 Points

Identifies and explains complex ethical issues with nuanced understanding and provides insightful analysis of underlying principles.

Proficient

3 Points

Accurately identifies and explains ethical issues and relates them to relevant ethical principles.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies some ethical issues, but explanations may be superficial or incomplete.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to identify or explain ethical issues clearly.

Criterion 2

Analysis of Consequences

Analyzes the potential consequences of ethical and unethical decisions on stakeholders and the business.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the short-term and long-term consequences of ethical decisions on various stakeholders, demonstrating a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of business ethics.

Proficient

3 Points

Analyzes the potential consequences of ethical and unethical decisions on stakeholders and the business, offering a balanced perspective.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies some consequences of ethical decisions, but analysis is limited in scope or depth.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to identify or analyze the consequences of ethical decisions.

Category 2

Ethical Communication & Collaboration

Demonstrates effective communication and collaboration skills in addressing ethical dilemmas and fostering ethical behavior.

Criterion 1

Communication Effectiveness

Uses appropriate communication methods to convey ethical considerations and resolve conflicts.

Exemplary

4 Points

Communicates ethical considerations with exceptional clarity, persuasiveness, and empathy, tailoring the message effectively to diverse audiences and fostering constructive dialogue.

Proficient

3 Points

Uses appropriate communication methods to convey ethical considerations clearly and resolve conflicts effectively.

Developing

2 Points

Communication is sometimes unclear or ineffective in conveying ethical considerations or resolving conflicts.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to communicate ethical considerations effectively.

Criterion 2

Collaboration & Teamwork

Effectively collaborates with others to address ethical issues and promote ethical decision-making.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates outstanding leadership in collaborative settings, fostering a culture of ethical decision-making, actively involving all members, and skillfully resolving conflicts to achieve ethical outcomes.

Proficient

3 Points

Effectively collaborates with others, contributing to ethical decision-making and problem-solving.

Developing

2 Points

Participates in collaboration, but contribution to ethical decision-making is limited.

Beginning

1 Points

Requires significant support to participate effectively in collaboration and ethical decision-making.

Category 3

Ethical Codes & Strategies

Demonstrates the ability to develop ethical codes of conduct and implement strategies to promote ethical behavior in business.

Criterion 1

Code of Ethics Development

Develops a comprehensive and relevant code of ethics for a business venture.

Exemplary

4 Points

Develops an exceptionally thorough and insightful code of ethics that reflects a deep understanding of industry-specific challenges and proactively addresses potential ethical dilemmas with innovative solutions.

Proficient

3 Points

Develops a comprehensive and relevant code of ethics that addresses key ethical considerations for a business venture.

Developing

2 Points

Develops a code of ethics, but it may be incomplete or lack relevance to the specific business venture.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to develop a code of ethics for a business venture.

Criterion 2

Implementation Strategies

Identifies and implements effective strategies to promote ethical behavior within a business.

Exemplary

4 Points

Develops and champions innovative and sustainable strategies that foster a culture of ethical conduct throughout the business, inspiring others to prioritize ethical behavior and proactively address potential vulnerabilities.

Proficient

3 Points

Identifies and implements effective strategies to promote ethical behavior within a business, addressing potential vulnerabilities.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies some strategies to promote ethical behavior, but implementation plan is lacking.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to identify or implement strategies to promote ethical behavior.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

Reflecting on the ethical dilemma simulation, what was the most challenging ethical decision you faced, and how did communication influence your choice?

Text

Required

Question 2

In what ways did creating a code of ethics for a business venture change your understanding of ethical considerations in entrepreneurship?

Text

Required

Question 3

How has this module shifted your perspective on the balance between profit-seeking and ethical responsibilities in business?

Text

Required

Question 4

To what extent do you agree with the statement: 'Effective communication is crucial for navigating ethical dilemmas in entrepreneurship'?

Scale

Required

Question 5

Which strategy for facilitating ethical behavior in a business do you think is most effective, and why?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Developing a Code of Ethics

Implementing Transparent Communication Practices

Establishing Reporting Mechanisms for Violations

Providing Ethical Training for Employees

Creating a Culture of Ethical Leadership